“Golfer's Elbow" or medial epicondylitis is an inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the
inside of the bone at the elbow. Like tennis elbow, the cause of this condition is usually because of a specific
strain, overuse, or a direct injury. The forearm muscles and tendons inside of the epicondylitis - the elbow joint –
become inflamed and injured from overuse. Golfer's elbow occurs most often in the patient’s dominant arm, but
can occur in the non-dominant arm or even both arms.
Although the condition is associated with golfers, medial epicondylitis is much more commonly seen in
people who are over using their arm doing something else. People who engage repetitive arm movements are
typically susceptible to golfer’s elbow.
This week, we will begin the study of golfer’s elbow, a painful condition that responds well to physical
therapy.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:
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Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, sometimes along the inner side of the forearm.
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Stiffness. The elbow may feel stiff, and increases with gripping and squeezing objects.
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Weakness. The hands or wrists may feel weak.
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Numbness or tingling. This may radiate into one or more fingers.
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The symptoms are often compounded with forearm activity, such as gripping a handle, turning a wrench, or even twisting a doorknob.
In Part 2 of this series, we will examine treatment options for golfer’s elbow.
If you are experiencing elbow pain, don’t wait for your family physician; visit Excel Rehabilitation Services on Burnside Ave. in Gonzales, Louisiana. You will receive one-on-one care from an experienced physical therapist!
Online Sources:
Medscape: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/97217-overview
MedInfo.com: http://www.medinfo.com/conditions/golferselbow.html
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00137
Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/golfers-elbow/basics/symptoms/con-20027964
Physioworks: http://physioworks.com.au/injuries-conditions-1/golfers-elbow